Dents + Winter = Rust

Dents and dings are an annoyance to any vehicle owner. They make your car look more used and run-down than it should.

Most owners think about repairing these dents and dings only when it comes time to sell or trade in their cars. But there are reasons beyond resale value to be considered when your vehicle has small dents and dings.

Of particular concern as the weather turns colder is the risk of rust that comes with unrepaired dents. Dents interrupt the sealant of the car’s paint. That leaves your car, SUV or truck susceptible to rust when salt from icy roads infiltrates the paint job.

While road salt is certainly beneficial because it helps keep drivers from slipping and sliding on icy roads, it’s your vehicle’s worst nightmare if dents and dings are present.

Spreading rust

Rust doesn’t just stay in one spot – it can spread throughout the vehicle’s exterior and even reach spots that affect its proper functioning. It weakens important components and makes the vehicle far less safe to drive.

Since a small dent or ding can invite rust’s development, it’s important to get those dents and dings repaired promptly. In this sense, such repairs become less about your vehicle’s cosmetics and more about its overall future performance.

Dents happen

What kinds of dents should you be concerned about? Simply put: All of them.

Whether it’s hail damage, a gouge from scraping against the garage wall, or even a small ding from a wayward shopping cart, every dent has the potential to develop into a rusty mess.

It’s far better to repair these dents now to avoid rust and help maintain the value of your vehicle over a longer period of time.